Kurukshetra Review: Netflix’s Animated Mahabharata Epic Is War Heavy Yet Reimagined Through Brilliant Animation

If there’s one battle that changed the entire course of Indian history forever, it is the Battle of Kurukshetra. The Mahabharata saga changed the very idea of dharma and adharma, a moral struggle that still holds a severe impact on all of us. The war between the Pandavas and Kauravas redefined the meaning of family, loyalty, and righteousness on Indian soil, with Lord Krishna standing witness to it all.

Kurukshetra Review

I’ve always been fascinated by the Indian mythology, especially the Mahabharata. In Netflix’s Kurukshetra, we are taken back to this epic battlefield. It doesn’t happen through the events and family dynamics and emotional betrayals but straight into the heart of war itself. We are straight on shown the strategies, scale, and spirit of the battle, showing the meticulous preparations on both sides. From the very first frame, Kurukshetra grips you with its striking animation, powerful dialogue, and immersive pacing.

Each episode is named after a key warrior, Sanjay, Bhishma, Abhimanyu, Arjun, Ghatotkach, etc., drawing focus to their significance in the epic war. The Netflix animated series is divided into two parts, and the first instalment, with nine episodes, releases today. The story is narrated by Sanjay, whose voice lends a vivid intensity and rhythm to the narrative, keeping one deeply engaged.

Conceived by Anu Sikka and written and directed by Ujaan Ganguly, Kurukshetra doesn’t glorify the war; it exposes its brutality, the losses on both sides and why it is considered a turning point in Indian history and mythology. As Lord Krishn reminds us in one of the most poignant moments, “The war was destined for the preservation of dharma itself.” The Kauravas left no room for peace, and the war was inevitable.

Technically, the animation is a major triumph. Produced by Hi-Tech Animation, the series blends traditional 2D artistry with fluid depth and lighting that enhance the grandeur and distress of the battlefield. The detailing in armour, weaponry, and movement feels calculated and refined. The colour palette shifts cleverly from the warm tones of a sunrise before battle to the darkness and chaos of a sunset. The action choreography is crisp and layered; the arrows, the clashing swords, and the destruction all carry a certain effect that stays with you.

Kurukshetra Review: Cast, Animation and More

The storytelling follows a non-linear structure, moving between the battlefield and the backstories that define each warrior’s fate. From finding the secret of Bhishma’s death to Jayadrath’s tragic arc. This structure keeps the episodes engaging even amid relentless war sequences. Honestly, the continuous focus on the battlefield can feel overwhelming at times, but perhaps that’s intentional, a mirror of how the war itself consumed everything in its path.

Among the voice cast, Sahil Vaid stands out as Lord Krishna, bringing both serenity and seriousness to his performance. His voice perfectly balances wisdom with subtle emotion. Vinod Sharma as Sanjay delivers a compelling narration, while Saumya Daan (Arjun), Annamaya Verma (Yudhishthir), Manoj Pandey (Bheem), Ankit Goswami and Feroze Khan (Nakul and Sahdev), Neha Gargava (Kunti), Neshma Chemburkar (Draupadi), Pawan Kalra (Duryodhan), and Sanchit Wartak (Dushasan) all contribute effectively to the ensemble, adding authenticity and emotional weight to the animated retelling.

Kurukshetra Review: Final Thoughts

Overall, Kurukshetra is not just an animated series; it’s a spectacular yet overwhelming experience. It captures the power of words, weapons and betrayals that led to the devastation that happened in Kurukshetra. Yes, the battle sequences are many, which can overwhelm or bring a sense of monotony at times. Yet, it keeps you intrigued with the eternal struggle between right and wrong, and how even after ages, we still live in the shadow of that ancient battlefield.